The hydrangea bush can take many forms, encompassing the paniculata variety’s conical panicles to the macrophylla species’ mophead blooms. Hydrangea shrubs are all the more beautiful for their long-lasting beauty, with the flowering plants offering extended blooming periods of gorgeous colours like blues, whites and pinks throughout multiple seasons. And all of this is provided in a relatively low-maintenance package.
But while pre-grown shrubs and potted hydrangea plants are widely available, many garden enthusiasts wonder: how do you grow hydrangeas from cuttings? This ultimate guide to hydrangea propagation will show you how to take hydrangea cuttings, nurture them through root development and grow brand-new hydrangea plants in your garden.
Cutting back hydrangea bushes doesn’t just maintain shape; it can also spark new growth. With proper technique, you can propagate hydrangeas successfully and enjoy a fresh bed of thriving plants.
The best time for taking hydrangea cuttings depends on the type of wood you’re working with.
Softwood cuttings. These are taken in early spring or summer when new growth is tender and flexible.
Semi-hardwood cuttings. These are best taken in mid to late summer, once the stems have matured slightly.
Hardwood cuttings. Usually taken in late autumn or early winter, hardwood cuttings are more resilient but take longer to develop roots.
For the healthiest plants, avoid taking hydrangea cuttings when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Instead, choose a time during the active growing season when the stems have plenty of energy to develop roots.
Selecting the right stem is essential when propagating hydrangeas. It’s vital to always choose healthy, non-flowering stems for the best chance of success. Here’s how:
Cut around 4 to 6 inches of shoot, just below a leaf node.
Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes.
Trim larger leaves in half to reduce moisture loss.
Dip the cut end into
rooting hormone or rooting powder to encourage quicker root development.
This step sets your cuttings up for success, helping them take root and become vigorous new hydrangea plants.
Planting hydrangea cuttings requires the right conditions:
Use a high-quality potting mix or potting soil rich in organic matter.
Plant cuttings 1–2 inches deep and firm the soil around the base.
Water well, but avoid drowning them, as excess moisture can lead to rot.
Keep in mind that soil pH affects hydrangea colour. Acidic soil encourages blue blooms, while alkaline soil tends to produce pink tones (in some varieties only).
Humidity is key to preventing moisture loss once your cuttings are planted. Cover each pot with a plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse effect, and place your pots in a location with bright, filtered light. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch delicate stems.
This balance of moisture and light helps your cuttings establish roots without stress.
Your hydrangea cuttings should begin to develop roots after a few weeks. You can check progress by gently tugging the stems. If you feel resistance, that means new roots have formed.
Once root development is underway:
Transplant cuttings into their own individual pots for more room.
Keep them in a sheltered spot to strengthen.
Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions before planting them into beds or borders.
This stage can take several weeks, so patience is key. Hydrangea propagation is a process, not an overnight magic trick.
To improve your chances of success, keep these points in mind:
Always use clean, sharp shears to avoid spreading disease.
Maintain consistent moisture levels without overwatering.
Provide bright, indirect light rather than full, direct sun.
Don’t rush the process - developing vigorous new hydrangea plants takes time.
You can also propagate hydrangeas through a method called layering. This involves bending a low-growing stem down to the ground and covering part of it with soil, leaving the tip exposed. The buried section will develop roots over time. Once rooted, it can be cut free and replanted as a new hydrangea.
This method is slower but highly reliable, making it a great backup if you’re not confident with cuttings. Why not try both routes to see which suits your temperament?
The ideal time is late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings, or late summer for semi-hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are best in late autumn.
Hydrangea cuttings usually take 2–3 weeks to show signs of root development (hardwood cuttings may take longer).
Yes, some gardeners successfully root hydrangea cuttings in water. However, transitioning them to soil can be tricky, so using a rooting compound and potting mix often provides better long-term success.
Yes, most varieties can be propagated from cuttings.
Cuttings thrive in bright but filtered light. Too much direct sunlight can cause stress, while too little light can slow growth.
Hydrangea propagation from cuttings is a rewarding process that allows you to grow new hydrangea plants without making additional purchases. With the right approach - starting with selecting healthy stems, using rooting hormone, and maintaining humidity with a mini greenhouse setup - you can expect your cuttings to take root soon enough.
You can’t rush the process, but the reward is worth it. A new set of hydrangeas will flourish to brighten your garden season after season.
Click here to check out our range of Hydrangeas available at One Click Plants, and visit our
Knowledge Hub for more insights into the world of gardening.
